Thursday, April 30, 2009

The efficiency of a good manager lies in the way he manages things. Managing things does not restrict to management decisions, but it has a long way to go. It includes managing any work in a given circumstances in the best possible and cheapest way.Debt consolidation in simple terms means managing the debts of a person. Or in other words it implies merging up all your debts through single manageable loans. The loan always doesn’t mean that the person is required to keep any security as collateral. There is also another way to get a loan. A way without collateral, technically it can be termed as unsecured loan. Thus, we can say, managing debts through a single loan and without collateral placed is unsecured debt consolidation loan.Unsecured debt consolidation loan is the best option for the tenants and for homeowners who do not want to undertake any risk on their property. Although providing a security doesn’t necessarily results in guaranteed debt consolidation loan. Before lending a loan the lender goes for a check on the credit history of the borrower. So, whether the person goes for a secured loan or unsecured loan the credit history plays a crucial role in it. But it doesn’t mean the person with poor credit history will not able to get the loan. It may be possible but he can find some difficulties in applying for the loan as compared to the person with good credit history. These difficulties come in the form of higher rate of interest. Lenders also consider the ability of a person to pay back the loan.Myth regarding unsecured debt consolidation loan:• Firstly, it charges a very high rate of interest. The rate of interest is not high but they are higher than those of secured loan as risk is involved. So the lender compensates this risk by way of charging high rate of interest.• Secondly, the unsecured debt consolidation loan reduces the payment. In fact the actual amount of debt is not reduced; the reduction lies in the rate of interest.Getting a loan through unsecured debt consolidation saves time and money as it does not involve much paper formalities. Thus, unsecured debt consolidation loan helps you to waive your. It is the safest and easiest mode to manage your debts by way of loan though you are not a homeowner. It brings an end to your anxiety which might be bothering you at the end of each month. Then what are you waiting for let the debt manager do his work. Read More..

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Debt consolidation, as we know, is a technique where the borrower of many loans takes a single loan from a different lender to pay off his loans. An example of such an instance is when a person X has taken three loans i.e. for lets say, home improvement, business development and for wedding purposes. The interest rates of these loans are 15%, 17% and 19% respectively; the average of which comes out be 17%. With debt consolidation the borrower can pay off all his loans at once with taking another loan.That loan can be taken by applying online or applying to a local lender which deals in providing the debt consolidation loans. Although in case of debt consolidation it would be better that the borrower should go online for his loan. Online debt consolidation loans provide benefits that may not be achieved with the other forms of debt consolidations. The benefits that a borrower of online debt consolidation can get are:• Online debt consolidation may be cheaper than the other forms of consolidation as the borrowers can negotiate the rate of interest and that is generally lower than the average rate that the borrower had been paying.• The data of the borrower also remains confidential which helps the borrowers a great deal, especially those who have bad credit history. Also for people with bad credit history it provides an opportunity to improve their credit score by following the repayment schedule properly.• While online, the borrowers can use features like debt calculators, loan calculators and also take the expert advice on the matter that concerns the borrowers.• An online debt consolidation option provides many more options to the borrowers than the other methods of debt consolidation.With so many benefits, it is only obvious that Online Debt Consolidation would be a far superior option than any other form of debt consolidation.For the benefit of borrowers who intend to apply for online debt consolidation, they may require a few documents to apply for the loan.• Income proof• Residential proof• Age proof• Any proof which shows that the borrower has recurring income.• In case of a secured loan, a document relating to the collateral that will be provided as such.• In case of borrowers with bad credit history, they may be asked to provide a statement showing their credit scores.Once all the documents are in order the borrower can apply for the online debt consolidation by following the respected links. Once that is done the loan will be approved in a few working days for you to utilize. Read More..

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Debt is just as a quicksand, in which getting in is easier than getting out of it. Once the person is in the trap of debts,he gets in deeper and deeper. Then he only finds his life boat in the form of debt consolidation.Debt consolidation refers to settlement of the debts of a person through a single manageable loan. In short, we can say that debt consolidation provides a help in avoiding the bankruptcy. It puts an end to the harassing calls made by the creditors regarding the payment of pending bills and debts. It also lowers the monthly payment which in turn enables the person to save a certain sum of money.Debt consolidation is like a doctor to the debt problem. And it offers a fresh start to the debtor and also helps in attaining a more healthy financial position.Whatever your debt problem may be, whether the personal debts or business debts or your credit card debts, you are only required to avail any debt management plan or program in order to get rid of your debts. Before going for any debt consolidation program the person must take advice from the professional credit counsellor. The credit cousellor will listen and analyse your problem. And then he will suggest you the best solution to your problem; that is, which debt management program to avail.Basically, these debt management programs try to reduce your monthly payments by way of reducing or freezing the interest on the loan. This will in turn help the person to eliminate the debts within few months.A person can consolidate his debts by three ways:- debt consolidation loan, debt consolidation mortgage and debt consolidation remortgage. However, there are other ways also to consolidate the debts, such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA’s).but these are considered as the bad credit for a person.A debt consolidation loan can be reffered as managing the debts by consolidating them. It lets you deal wth the single lender rather than dealing with the numerous creditors. On the other hand, debt consolidation mortgage refers to getting a loan on the basis of the equity in the house and paying back to its creditors against the debts. And, debt remortgage can be termed as extention of mortgage. It is the term of mortage which is usually negotiated to include the increase in the amount borrowed.Above mentioned three ways of consolidating the debts do not necessarily mean that they suits everyone. They are merely an option for solving the debt problem. And it is upto the debtor which way he chooses to consolidate his debts. Debtors must choose the alternative which suits him the best, with regard to his financial situation. Read More..

Monday, April 27, 2009

If you are overburdened with credit card bills, medical bills, wedding expenses, auto loans, personal loans and many other outstanding payments, it is right to go for debt consolidation.Debt consolidation endeavors to consolidate your multiple debts into a single, easily manageable loan. But remember, it is not just bringing multiple debts under one creditor. You aim to save enough money that you pay as interest rate. Keeping this in mind low interest debt consolidation loans have been specifically designed to help you merge different debts into one; thus making you accountable to a single creditor.The first step towards a low interest debt consolidation loan is to figure out the total amount of debt you want to consolidate. The lender will do rest of the task. Negotiations will be done on your behalf with different creditors.The best way to get a low interest debt consolidation loan is to place a high value collateral. Collateral is the property that you secure against the loan. If you borrow against the equity in your home, you can extract a larger amount with relatively low rate of interest. The interest rate will be tax deductible. The repayments should be made on time; else the lender has the right to confiscate your property.Low interest debt consolidation loan is ideal for bad debtors as well. Your credit score plays a vital role in determining the loan amount and rate of interest. Lenders usually offer higher amounts to borrowers with a better credit history. So, the borrower should first try to improve his credit score by clearing off those debts that he can easily pay and report it immediately to a credit rating agency. This will get his credit report updated and help him improve the credit score so as to draw larger loan amount at a low interest rate.Choosing the right lender is of immense importance. In order to get the best possible deal, one should shop around for loan quotes from different loan providing organizations. This process of hunting for the best lender is very time consuming and you are sure to encounter many hassles in your way. Therefore, to prevent you from facing all such grievances, there is the provision of online lenders. A simple search through the Internet can make you familiar with different online lenders dealing in low interest debt consolidation loans. The free facility of online loan calculator provided by various websites can help you get an estimate of your monthly payments. The online technique of applying for low interest debt consolidation loan is simple, quick and puts an end to enormous paper work.Low interest debt consolidation loans sway all your debts into a single monthly payment and help you get rid of them sooner. They make you liable to just one creditor thus helping you control your finances once again. Read More..

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Before sharing these recommendations, I suggest that you have a way of tracking your expenses. This will give you a clear picture of what you spend daily, weekly and/or monthly and aid you in reducing expenses where needed.1) Accept the fact you are in debt and forgive yourself. If you are in denial, you are more likely to repeat the pattern.2) Reduce monthly expenditures. For example, once the price of gas increased, our monthly gas costs went from roughly $200 to approximately $450- 500.00. In an effort to reduce our gas costs, I stopped taking miniature trips every day. Also, my husband would drive my car on the weekends because it costs less in gas.3) If you’re a person that makes several trips to the grocery store during the month, reduce the number of trips to once a month except for fresh vegetables. This will reduce the number of times you have to put gas in the car. Today, it costs more just to leave the house to get groceries as well as going to work.4) With the increasing utility bill, begin making repairs to your home now such as getting a programmable thermostat and set it to a certain temperature so that it will automatically come on. 5) As an option, temporarily get a second job for supplemental income. If married, this should be the person that has the ability to generate the most income. I do not recommend any Multi-level Marketing opportunities.6) For a single person in debt – if you are off on weekends, temporarily get a weekend job and put those funds towards the bills along with your regular income.7) If you have a cell phone and a regular phone that both have long distance, re-evaluate having both phones. It can get expensive to have both with long distance. Maybe you can remove the regular phone and just use your cell phone if most people call you on that number. 8) If you are a stay at home mom, in my opinion the kids should not be going to daycare. This is an unnecessary expense.9) Be sensible about your expenditures when it comes to your children. For example, a six month old baby does not need name brand clothing. They need to be clothed. Suggest getting into ‘mommy group’ where you and your friends can swap clothing based on gender and age. I have a couple of moms that I swap clothes with and this saves all of us from having to shop at the store.10) Grooming expenses for adults: do you really need to get your nails done every week? Could you put that money towards a bill? If you are getting your hair done whether it is a weave, perm, braids or tinting every week – do you need to go to a high end salon or could you go Great Clips for the same thing? I am not saying do not pamper yourself; however, as times get tougher what is the necessity?11) Maintaining your vehicle is a necessity, but going to a car wash every week is not. You can wash your car at home. Re-evaluate how you are spending your money.12) If you are a person that likes to go out to eat, reduce the amount of times per month you go out to eat. Begin cooking at home since you are buying groceries for the month.13) Entertainment – whether it is going to the movies, bars or happy hour – these expenses add up. For example going to a matinee is $7.50 a person (for the two of us is $15.00 before we even get food, which would cost us another $15.00) do you really need to see the movie now or could you wait three months and see it on DVD. Netflix is an option. 14) Add up how much you spend at a vending machine per week when you are at work if you work outside the home. Consider taking snacks from home.15) Health insurance – if you had a job and are using COBRA for health insurance until you have secured another job, seek an alternative health insurance to the COBRA payments. I remember when I first stopped working at the law firm, we utilized COBRA for almost eighteen months and the price increased two times. Prior to the second increase, I located a shared insurance plan and saved us lots of money.** There has to be some structure during these difficult economical times. However, these times do not have to be so hard that you cannot enjoy life. Read More..

Saturday, April 25, 2009

If you are having trouble balancing your income and expenditure because of large debts then read on and discover your options in credit card debt consolidation.Debt consolidation can be an excellent option when you find your finances getting out of control but before you go out and sign up for a debt consolidation loan there are a number of factors you must take into account.1) Why are you looking to consolidate debt?The basic principle of debt consolidation is that you take out a single loan and use that loan to repay all your existing credit card debts, loans and overdrafts.This normally results in lower payments generally spread over a longer term. Before you proceed with debt consolidation you should first consider whether there is a better alternative.2) Sell assets to clear your debtRather than rescheduling your debts see if there is any way you can repay some or all of your debts yourself. Sell unwanted valuables and other items.Depending on the item you can sell to dealers, advertise in local classified ads or through Ebay. Sell unwanted books through Amazon. If your debts are very high and you own your own home consider downsizing to release equity.3) Pay more than the minimum off your credit cards.If you can pay more than the minimum monthly payments you should seriously consider continuing with your existing credit cards and clear the debts over the next 12 to 18 months.While it may mean restricting your spending in other areas it will be the cheapest option long term. Of course you may still opt for debt consolidation to make managing your debt easier.4) If you are currently only just managing to pay the minimum monthly payments on your credit cards, or your total credit card debt is increasing each month then debt consolidation may be the right choice. There are a number of options when considering debt consolidation:5) A mortgage or re mortgageIf you own your own home the lowest interest rates are obtainable by taking out a new mortgage to pay off your existing mortgage (if any) plus enough funds to repay you other debts.If repaying your existing mortgage will result in penalty charges consider a 2nd mortgage with your existing lender. The interest charged will probably be slightly but not significantly higher.6) Take out a secured loan with another lenderIf you have already missed or been late with any payments, and as a result your credit score is too low for your mortgagor, consider a secured loan with another lender.Secured loans in these circumstances are more expensive and the lenders are quick to repossess your home if you miss payments. Only take this route if you are certain that you can make the repayments.Depending upon how bad your credit history is, so long as you maintain all your payments for the following 1 to 3 years, you can replace this loan with a mortgage or re mortgage once your credit score improves. There will be penalties however if you repay a secured loan early. Ensure you read the fine print.7) A loan secured on other assetsIf you have an expensive car, boat or plane you will probably be able to obtain finance using these assets as security. The rate of interest will be higher than a loan secured on property. If you do not have property or it is fully mortgaged securing a loan on other assets may be an option.8) An unsecured loanIf you do not have property or other assets an unsecured loan is often a possibility. An unsecured loan is usually over a shorter term, normally up to a maximum of 7 years but occasionally longer. As a result the monthly payments will be higher but the debt will reduce quickly.As the lender has no security your property and assets are less at risk if you default. The lender could, however, send in the bailiffs if they obtain a court order.Because there is no security expect to pay a higher interest rate, particularly if you have a poor credit history.9) Don't forget the credit card option.If your debts are relatively low and you still have a reasonable credit history applying for another card with a 0% or low interest balance could be an alternative to a debt consolidation loan.Go for a 0% balance transfer if you can realistically repay all or most of the debts in the 0% balance transfer period. If however, there will still be a substantial debt at the end of the balance transfer period go for a permanently low interest rate.Be aware there may be a 2 - 3% charge on the balance transfer. To ensure you don't slip back into debt cut up all your credit cards and close paid off accounts.10) Check all the options before making a decision.As you research all the options it will quickly become clear if there is one obvious solution. For many individuals there will be more that one option so it is essential check them all out before makuing a final decision. Go to a range of different lenders and mortgage or loan brokers and obtain the best package for you. Remember you have the final say and just enquiring does not commit you to any course of action.For a great many people debt consolidation provides an ideal solution to excessive credit card debt. Sorting out debt problems takes a little time, effort and determination. Once you've sorted your debts you will find life more enjoyable and relaxing and, with no debt collectors calling or contacting you by post or phone, much less stressful.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Danger signal 1Your credit card expenses increase while your income is the same or decreasing. When this happens stop using your cards and manage on whatever cash you have available. Stop when the cash is finished unless there is a great emergency – do not take out the cards. Diminishing income will suffer greatly if the bills of the credit card are added to it; get away from card shopping till your income stabilizes.Danger signal 2You are unable to pay more than your minimum balance on the card debts; this is when it should be obvious that cash problem has started; this is the time when you should leave the credit cards and try to pay off all your outstanding by wise financial management.Danger signal 3You find yourself borrowing on one card to pay on another. This is the message that you are entering unmanageable debt – so take charge and control all unnecessary expenses right away. Try to pay off the debt of one card and use only one card – that also only in acute emergency.Danger signal 4You observe that you have more than 5-6 credit cards. Ideally, you should not have or use more than two credit cards. There are many who advocate the use of only one card while – if you have more – you can keep the rest locked for any emergency. When you have too many operational cards, you can very easily over spend and find yourself in a financial mess.Danger signal 5You are finding that you are using your credit more and more for emergency payments – and the emergency payments include grocery bills. The moment you include in the emergency payment list ordinary purchases, you should understand that something is seriously.Danger signal 6Your credit card payments keep you working overtime – if you observe that you do not have sufficient funds to cover your credit card payments – that means you are extending your income to your credit card limits – this is a definitely a danger signal.Danger signal 7You are at limit of all your credit cards. When you find yourself to have topped the limits of your credit cards –this obviously shows you that your income is not sufficient to take care of your expenses – and or you are spending too much.Danger signal 8You are gambling and paying the debts with the credit cards. Never ever pay your gambling debts with the credit cards because this will really create an egg-and-chicken vicious circle from where you will never get out.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

As debt continues to increase in many households across America, more families each year are finding themselves looking for ways to reduce their overall household debt. For some, this may be easier said than done. Debt reduction requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Especially when you are used to spending money left and right.Those that are serious and committed to reducing their debt will eventually reap the rewards of being debt free. Reading my simple seven tips will give you many ideas, about how you can reduce your debt.Cut back When you start to cut back on spending, you will find corners that you can cut through out the month, to help you pay off your debts. Simple things such as, being aware of all of the electricity you use, and turning off lights that are not needed as you leave a room, will help reduce your light bill, therefore, you save a little more money to reduce your debt with. Once you become aware of your spending habits, and start cutting back, you will start to notice more ways to cut back each month.BudgetBudget your income. List all of your monthly bills and their due dates. Apply them to your budget, as well as other household needs, for example, groceries, gas etc. Allow yourself only so much money per month to spend on extras. Sticking to your budget will show self control, and determination for reducing your debt.Limit the use of your Credit cardsIf you can not pay cash for it, then do not buy it. If you have to charge something, make sure that you can pay the balance in full when your next credit card bill comes in. Never charge on your credit card to only pay the minimum monthly amount. You will never get that maxed out credit card paid off that way. The importance of paying your credit card balance in full, can not be stressed enough.Get rid of your credit cardsIf you are determined to reduce your debt, cutting up your credit cards will help. If you do not have them, you can not use them. If this is too big of a step for you, at least get rid of the unnecessary ones. Keeping only one or two, low interest rate cards for emergencies only, is a good idea. Remember if you can not pay cash for something, then you probably do not need it.Pay off your debtsIf you have already acquired some debt you need to pay off, now is the time to get started. Decide which debt is your smallest and start with that one. Pay on it as your budget will allow. Once you have gotten your smallest debt paid off, you will have a feeling of satisfaction and know that you can pay off your debts. Then move to the next smallest debt, when you are paying them off one by one, it is easier to do, with out feeling over whelmed. Before you know it, all of your debts will be paid and you will feel great about knowing you paid them off.Debt consolidationDebt consolidation is another option to look at for reducing your debt. Debt consolidation companies, will call your creditors for you, and make payment arrangements for your debts. Many companies will get you one low monthly payment to pay each month, until all of your debt is paid off.Financial counselingMake an appointment with a financial counselor to help you reduce your debt. Some people find, having someone else point out the errors in their spending habits to help tremendously. Financial counselors can also show you how to better manage your money, and stick to a budget.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Whenever interest rates drop, a refinancing frenzy naturally follows. Whether you're looking to trim your mortgage payments, eliminate credit-card debt or pay off your car loan, experts say you should fully understand all of the options available to you before deciding to refinance.Allied Mortgage Consultants, a mortgage company recognized for educating consumers on the realities behind new home loans and refinancing, reveals seven common mistakes people make when refinancing.1. Not saving enough to justify refinancing. It's best to decrease your rate by at least .75 percent to 1 percent. This will save you about $100 a month on a $150,000 mortgage.2. Not knowing your closing costs up front. By law, closing costs must be disclosed within three days of the loan application. However, there are different approaches to calculating them. Until the details of your loan are clear, the closing costs quoted to you are only estimates. Plan for the worst-case scenario.3. Not fully understanding your reasons for refinancing. Besides reducing your interest rate, there are other legitimate reasons to refinance, such as debt consolidation, home improvements or major purchases. In some cases, you may be able to deduct your interest payments on your tax return. Always consult an accountant or tax attorney before making these types of decisions.4. Not being aware of APR "teaser rates." Some mortgage brokers use annual percentage rates to get your attention, but it may actually end up costing you more. APRs often are derived by using a 30-year mortgage coupled with an accelerated payment plan. Make sure you know the actual interest rate you will be paying throughout the life of the loan.5. Not weighing the pros and cons of adjustable rate mortgages. ARMs can minimize your monthly payment, but not if additional refinancing occurs. In this case, they can cost more in the long run.6. Not being aware of the service you should expect from a mortgage broker. The process of refinancing should be hassle-free and accomplished quickly. Ask your mortgage broker to provide details of its service plan and performance guarantees.7. Not knowing to ask the mortgage broker about all available loan products, terms and rates. Subtle differences can save or cost you thousands of dollars.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Anyone that has a high level of debt or a number of creditors to pay off each month will know how stressful and difficult financial management can be. However, for those crippling themselves with monthly outgoing as a result of high debt levels there are some steps that could help to reduce the amount that you have to pay out each month, as well as reducing overall interest paid on your debts.1. See where you can make cutback's on your outgoing's. Look at cutting back on little luxuries such as eating out at lunch each day rather than taking sandwiches to work with you. Also cut out any unnecessary expenditure, such as subscriptions and memberships that may no longer be of much use to you. It is surprising how much you can claw back through a number of small savings each month, and this can then be applied towards your smaller debts such as credit and store cards in order to clear them more quickly.2. Make sure that you are aware of exactly what is coming in and going out of your account each month. Trying to manage your finances and prioritize on paying off debt is impossible if you don't keep a proper track of your income and outgoing's. List down every little payment that goes out of your account so you know exactly how much you can afford to spend or put towards clearing your debts a little faster.3. Consider consolidating your debts. By consolidating smaller debts with one larger loan you can reduce the number of repayments you have to make each month, cut back on the number of creditors to whom you have to pay interest, and dramatically reduce the amount that you pay out each month. For homeowners, a secured loan could be the ideal solution, as this can be spread over a longer period and this helps to keep monthly repayments down. You should be aware though, that by taking finance over a longer period, this would mean you pay back interest for longer. However, if the interest rate is lass than what you currently pay, and lower monthly payments means that you have more disposable income to spend, it would serve to prevent it from being necessary that you need to take on extra borrowing as you will have spare money each month to either build up savings and be able to afford things which you made want to purchase, with out borrowing additional money.4. Try and clear your overdraft. If you have an overdraft with your bank, and you find yourself reaching the limit every month, one small transaction is all it will take to push you over the limit – and of course this means hefty bank charges being added to your account. By ensuring that you keep your overdraft at a sensible level rather than teetering at the brink of exceeding the limit you can avoid these hefty charges.5. If you do intend to take out another loan this should be by way of consolidation rather than an addition to your existing finance, as consolidating all your existing credit may help to ease the financial strain and reduce outgoing's, whereas another added loan will increase both. It may sound obvious but try avoid taking out a loan as an easy solution, as this will only suffice for the short term and you may soon find yourself struggling to keep up with all of your previous debts plus a new loan. Read More..

Monday, April 20, 2009

If you currently have unbearable debts and thinking of wipe it off from your statement by declaring bankruptcy; Just on-hold your decision for a while, there may be other options available. Try to improve your situation before you investigate the bankruptcy option. No matter which way you go, evaluate the 5 steps below to see if you could avoid taking that drastic step.1. Detail out all your debtsFirst, look at all your secured debts such as mortgage and car loan. How much are the repayment for each month? What are the interest rates?Then, list down all the fixed expenses such as power, phone, insurance, food, etc. What are the total costs for these expenses?Follow by examining your credit card debts. Take out all your credit card statement and write down the amount you owe for each card and their interest rate.Finally, write down all your other expandable; these are your optional expenses such as entertainment, gym, membership, dinners at restaurant and other impulsive purchase.2. Eliminate the unnecessary expensesNow you should have a better idea on where your money goes; Make a diet plan on your cash; In your Cash Diet Plan, list down all the your savings from the elimination of the optional expenses. You will be surprise that how much money you can save by carefully control your expenses. The money you saved can be used to pay down your debts.3. Get your family involve and work as a teamDon't do it alone because under such as stress condition, you may out of control and may not think and plan in clear mind; get your family together and let them know your financial problem and have them to work together to control the household spending and eliminate the unnecessary expenses.4. Cash out with your assetsIf you have equity, you are in a better situation because you could refinance or get a secured loan for pay off your debts. If you are looking for bankruptcy as your debt relief options, your may not have any equity in hand already. But equity is not the only asset; many people tend to forget that things that have cash value, but not sentimental value. Think antiques, old clothes or collectibles.List down all the assets you own which your can sell and cash out. Check the closets, garage and storage locker, she says, "and find out what you can live without". Then, cash them out through garage sales, eBay or consignment shops. Use the money to pay down your debts as much as possible.5. Go for consumer counseling serviceArrange an appointment with a credit counseling agency and let the counselor to understand your finance situation and draft a budget for you. Review the debt management plan proposed to you before your sign to enroll into the plan. You may get a few plans from other credit counseling agencies for comparison. Choose the one which best suit your current financial needs. Although a debt-management plan can have a negative impact on your credit, it's better than bankruptcy.6. Get A second or part time jobUtilize your out-of-work time on second or part time job. Although you may not earn much in your part time job, a little money coming in can keep a bad financial situation from getting worse.SummaryBankruptcy may be your easy way out from debts but the consequences may follow you for 7 to 10 years. Always look for other alternative before choose for this dramatic options. Read More..

Sunday, April 19, 2009

If you’re considering using debt settlement to help you pay off your credit cards, here are 5 tips to help you decide on a company to help you.Keep in mind that hiring a debt settlement company is no different than hiring any business to perform a service for you – so make sure you find the one that fits your needs the best. Not all debt settlement companies are the same. Like with any industry, there are good ones, and there are the rest.Unfortunately, when it comes to settling credit card debts, you often hear more stories about people who complain than those who receive good service (and there are many).How do you determine which settlement company will offer you the best service?1) Shop aroundWhen hiring a settlement company, you should contact at least 2-3 different businesses and compare the services and terms they offer. Not only will you find the best company to represent you, but you will learn a lot about how debt settlement works, and how it can help you.2) Check with the BBBWhile not everyone with a complaint contacts the Better Business Bureau (so a clean record may be misleading) if there are several unresolved complaints, that is a “red flag” to find out why there are unhappy customers. If the complaints have been resolved, that is a good sign that the debt settlement company offers good customer service. You can search for company records online at http://www.bbb.org/.3) Check referencesWhile debt settlement is a confidential process, and therefore you may not find many companies willing to give out names of happy customers, it is worth asking. Talking to a former customer will tell you more about a company than any brochure or website.4) Get all the details in writing firstThis is an absolute MUST – you should never agree to anything, sign any paperwork, or send in any money until you get all the terms and conditions in writing. A written contract will help you understand what service you should receive, how much it will cost you, and protect you if an issue comes up.5) Ask lots of questionsIf you have any questions (and the more settlement companies you talk to, the more questions you will have) make sure to ask them – and get the answers you want. If a company is not willing to take the time to answer your questions now, how will they respond to you once you become a client and your money is at stake?Bottom line, it is your responsibility to “do your homework” and research the best company to help you settle your debts.If you take the time and effort to find the company that will fit your needs the best – just like you would when hiring any professional – you will greatly reduce the chances of a major problem occurring.Settling your credit card debt is a big decision for anyone to make, so don’t make the decision lightly! Read More..

Saturday, April 18, 2009

1. Credit card companies can change almost all of the terms of the credit card by giving just 15 days notice.We get used to credit card companies adjusting their lending rate by 1/4% as interest rates fluctuate but did you know they can alter any of the terms for any reason. For example they can increase the late payment fee and they can increase the interest rate without the need to justify it. If you are late or miss just one payment the low rate you are currently being charged can double or even treble almost overnight.2. Credit card companies can increase the cost of a purchase months after you bought it.If you purchased a widescreen plasma TV 3 months ago, using a card which at the time was costing 9.9% apr, and you are late with just one payment, the credit card company can charge you a late payment fee, say $40, and increase the interest rate to 29.9% apr, or even more, and there is nothing you can do about it.They can, in effect, increase the cost of your TV months, or possibly even years after you purchased it. The TV retailer wouldn't be allowed to do this but your credit card company can.3. Discount offers are only good if you keep up all your payments.Interest free balance transfers and initial periods can dissapear for any minor omission. Failure to keep to all the terms of a card will result in special terms being withdrawn and possible penalty interest being applied. If you have interest free purchases and balance transfers make sure you keep up the payments.4. It's not just your card payments you have to keep up.If you miss a payment on your mortgage, or your car or any other financial payment, your credit card companies can re-assess your credit score and increase your interest rate accordingly.If you therefore miss a loan payment on your boat or car, but still pay the payments due on your cards, you can find that your credit card interest charges jump to 2 or 3 times the original rate.5. Credit card companies are today making record profits from you.If you don't pay your cards in full each month credit card companies make the majority of their profits from you and a substantial portion of that is in the additional charges they levy.It makes little or no sense to keep money in the bank earning 5% maximum and pay 29.9% or 19.9% or even 9.9% on your cards. Pay off the card and use the card for emergencies rather than the savings. Without the card payments you will be able to rapidly replace the savings.Without your knowing credit card companies can hold you hostage at the very time you may really need financial assistance. Don't allow credit card companies the continuing opportunity to make record profits at your expense, and at the same time the opportunity to benefit from any misfortune.If you can pay the balance off withing 3 to 6 months do so otherwise consider some form of consolidation loan to remove the noose credit card companies have around your neck. Read More..

Friday, April 17, 2009

If you think that being bankrupt was the worst thing that could happen to you than think again! Yes you are right…Worst is yet to come, but of course you can control and eliminate that worst scenario by simply making correct decisions! Hiring a wrong attorney for filing your bankruptcy can be like a nightmare coming true!So it is better that before hiring you do some research and make sure that you find an attorney who could really show you way attorney who could really show you way out from the bankruptcy mess!Facts about selecting the Attorneys:As most of the attorneys are usually overworked, they aren't able to give ear to full details of your case. You may feel that your attorney isn't pursuing your case the way you want him to pursue and ultimately you will feel irritated.Many of the attorneys aren't qualified enough to lead your bankruptcy case. So such attorneys don't fulfill your expectations. Certificates are important indicators to judge whether the attorney is qualified enough or not.Asking from friends won't take you to any good lawyer, unless your friend has gone through filing for bankruptcy but it may be useful to take advice from legal professionals.You can even go to a bankruptcy court and observe the attorneys there. Maybe during your observation, you will find some attorneys who are good enough for you.Once you find the attorney, you can satisfy yourself completely by asking him the right questions. A short conversation can tell you a lot about the attorney you have chosen. You can ask him about his expertise and his working and consultation hours. After conversation, you can evaluate the attorney to see if that attorney is really right for you or not!Once you select the attorney, you must discuss with him what type of bankruptcy should you file? There are eight different types for filing bankruptcy. You attorney can best point out which type suits you for filing bankruptcy.Secondly, you need to ask him how you can file for bankruptcy. You have to file for your bankruptcy in the state where you are living. The Attorney can prepare the necessary paperwork that would be needed to present to the courts.Thirdly, you must know the fees that are involved in the filing for bankruptcy. The total fees will comprise of the attorney's fees plus the court fees that you need to submit to file for your bankruptcy.Fourth, you must know where you should file your bankruptcy claim. You need to consult your attorney on how to get there and what documentation is required.Finally you must know the after effects of filing for bankruptcy. As soon as you file for bankruptcy, creditors will receive notification from the courts and will not be allowed to contact debtor for payments. A hearing in court will be set. The case will proceed depending on type of bankruptcy filed.Remember that this is your fight, so you have to be really involved in it and follow the case. You just cannot leave everything on the attorney! Read More..

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Individuals who wish to make use of the services of a debt management firm should do research before committing themselves. An unscrupulous debt management firm can harm a debtor’s interests in many ways, so make sure to keep the following 4 things in mind before hiring a debt management firm:1. Avoid any agency that calls you by phone or sends you spam: Most debt management firms advertise in the yellow pages or on the Web, but do not over-aggressively solicit clients. Therefore, there is a good chance any company which does so is not on the level. Debt management companies that follow a cold calling policy or send unsolicited emails will usually not be able to provide any solid references. Most of these companies do not even keep a reserve fund, which serves as a guarantee for the debtor that his creditors will be paid.2. Non-profit agencies do not necessarily offer better service: First, not all non-profit debt management firms offer their services free; some firms charge up to 15% of the debt amount. Being a non-profit organization does not make a debt management firm a better and more efficient service provider than those that charge for the services. In fact, companies charging for their service are under an obligation to free their clients of debt as efficiently as possible because they are making a profit from their work and their profitability is directly linked to their credibility and reputation in the market.3. Never part with credit card information on the phone: A reputed and honest debt management firm will never ask you to provide your credit card number or bank information on the phone. This is because they understand that callers can be impersonated; moreover, the increase in online frauds is reason enough for individuals in debt to be extra cautious when checking out debt management firms. Debt management companies that are acting in good faith will never ask a prospect or an existing client to part with sensitive information of any kind over the phone.4. Don't believe anyone who offers a deal that's too good to be true - it probably is: Often debtors come across debt management deals that promise to reduce their debt by half in short time. This rarely happens; however, the debtor does end up paying high fees and a substantial upfront amount to the debt management company. Such companies also discourage debtors from communicating with their lenders; this is never a good idea and invariably leads to a negative impact on the debtor’s credit rating. If a debt reduction company promises to offer more than some interest reduction and counseling on getting out of debt and staying debt free, the claim should ideally not be taken at face value. Read More..

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

When it comes right down to it, there are very few situations in which bankruptcy has to be the answer. Often times, when it comes to debt issues, unsecured debt consolidation loans are much less damaging answer than bankruptcy. What is important, though, is that you understand what it is about before you dive in and what your alternative debt consolidation options are.Unsecured debt consolidation loans are personal loans, and as the name implies, they are not secured. What that means is the loan has no collateral or physical items, backing it up. The only collateral is you, the borrower. Because banks then see unsecured debt consolidation loans as risky, they are often a bit expensive and not easy to get. They are also a much better answer than bankruptcy if you can, though.Before you dive into any unsecured debt consolidation loans, you will want to check out the interest rates. Remember, any loan, unsecured debt consolidation loans or not, are only as good as the interest rate and what it means for you in terms of well being. If, though, you find that the interest rates are too high for the loan to be worth it, you may want to go ahead and consider an alternative method of debt consolidation. Just make sure you check the total cost of the loan, including the interest, from start to the day you pay it off. You will then be able to make an informed decision on whether or not unsecured debt consolidation loans are what is right for you.If you don’t think that unsecured debt consolidation loans are going to be right for you, another option may be a credit counseling agency. While they don’t consolidate your debt like a loan will, they will often be able to work out lower payments and interest rates for many of your debts. You will make one payment to the credit agency, who will, in turn, pay your debts for you. They won’t hurt your credit, but you will want to research well before you using a credit counseling agency to insure that they will pay your bills on time. If they are late, it will show up that you are late and then hurt your credit or debt further.Another alternative to unsecured debt consolidation loans are debt negotiation companies. What these companies do is have you stop paying your bills and make a single monthly payment to the company. As each of your debts falls behind, your creditors contact the company rather than you. The company then settles your debt balances for less than what is due. These companies can get you out of debt much faster in many cases, but they also hurt your credit in the short term and sometimes long term if you don’t get on with the right company.Undoubtedly, there are nearly as many ways to get out of debt as there are to get into debt. While for many, unsecured debt consolidation loans are the way to go, there are others who’s debt does not justify the loan. Perhaps the rates are too high or the length of the loan too short or too long. No matter the reason for not being able to make user of unsecured debt consolidation loans, there are alternatives. You can look to debt counseling services, debt negotiation companies, or perhaps there is another you can find http. The idea, though, is to get yourself back up on your feet in the end and be able to live your life with little or no debt. Read More..

You already know a lot about credit cards. You've heard that consumer debt in this country-particularly credit-card debt-is at an all-time high, while our savings rate is lower than ever before. You realize that the boom in online shopping, with its absolute dependence on credit cards, is further fueling their use. You are well aware that running a balance on your plastic-and paying the unconscionable interest rates that come with it-is one of our most basic and widespread financial blunders. And you suspect that the sheer volume of direct-mail credit-card solicitations with low teaser rates must be devastating the forests of northern Idaho.Still, credit cards are a fact of 21st century life, and it only makes sense to understand how to use them wisely. While it's probably impractical to keep all plastic out of your wallet, it is prudent to limit the number of cards you have, and, of course, to pay all balances in full every month. Indeed, having only a traditional American Express card, which doesn't allow you to carry a balance, can be an excellent way to impose fiscal discipline on you and your family-although, as the Visa ads point out, not everyone accepts American Express. For the rest of us, who do occasionally dabble in credit-card debt, here are a few ways to keep your habit under control.1. Take advantage of frequent-flier programs tied to credit cards, but keep in mind that interest payments on a high balance can quickly turn "free" flights into outrageously expensive ones. At a dollar per mile, running up a debt of 25,000 may get you a plane ticket, but it will also saddle you with $4,500 in yearly interest payments, assuming an 18% annual rate.2. Look very closely at credit-card offers before you bite. Obviously, most of those 2.99% and 3.99% rates will be in effect for only a few months. But there may be other catches as well. Making a late payment, even if it arrives only a day after it was due, may immediately trigger a permanent rate hike. Also, low initial rates sometimes apply only to transferred balances, and you could get charged a fee for making the transfer. Check, too, to see whether there is an annual fee, or charges for exceeding your credit limit or even for closing an account.3. Avoid amazing grace-period tricks. What you're looking for is a provision that says you'll never be charged interest as long as you pay your bill in full by the due date. But some cards have no grace period, calculating interest from the moment you make a purchase, while others give you only a limited time after making a charge before interest is imposed. That period of 20 days or so may end before your payment is due.4. Don't forget to cancel cards you no longer use. If you don't, they'll show up on credit reports, and that could be a problem, particularly if you're applying for a home mortgage. Your would-be lender may be reluctant to make a loan to someone who has a cumulative credit-card limit of $50,000, $100,000, or even more. Read More..

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Debt is a way of life for many Americans. We owe money on our homes, our cars, our possessions (from furniture to clothes), and our education. Many Americans are so mired in debt they aren't even sure just how much they owe and to whom -- even worse they sometimes don't even remember just what caused their debt.

Some debt is good for you. For example, what you owe on your home can provide a nice way to balance out your income tax. A little debt is not a bad thing either as making regular payments to various creditors helps build your credit rating which makes it easier for you to obtain loans at good rates. However the truth is that most Americans have more than a little debt -- and many owe far too much money and are already, or soon will be, in financial trouble as a result.

Finding yourself owing a lot of money is not the end of the road and you can stop your cycle of debt by taking four positive steps to break the cycle.

First, attack your high-cost debts. This likely includes credit cards where you may be paying high minimum payments and high interest rates. Pay off the balances on credit cards carrying the highest interest rates first. Continue making your minimum payments for lower-interest cards but concentrate on paying off the highest interest. When the high-cost cards are paid off then work to eliminate the balances on your other cards.

Second, reach out to your creditors. If you are going to be late or have difficulty paying your minimum payments then contact the credit card company. Even if you can make all your payments in a timely fashion there are two benefits you can reap from contacting the card issuer. First, you may be able to negotiate lower rates or more favorable terms. Second, they might be able to recommend alternatives that can minimize damage to your credit rating.

Third, consolidate your debts as much as possible. You can accomplish this a number of ways. One possibility is simply transferring balances from one credit card to another with a lower rate, but be aware of transfer fees before choosing this option. Another possibility, if you own your own home, is to take out a home-equity loan or line of credit which should have a lower interest rate than most credit cards can offer as well as offering tax deductions. Finally, you can also consider a secured loan offering the value in another form of property, your vehicle for example.

Fourth, don't sacrifice your retirement savings. Obviously paying off your debt should be a high financial priority but cutting what you save for retirement to do so may not be the wisest course -- especially if that becomes a long term habit or if you are losing out on your employer's matching funds as a result. Perhaps you may be able to borrow against (or from) your retirement funds at a lower interest rate which will allow you to continue to save for retirement while also getting out from under your debt.

While owing money may well be the American way it can also be a tremendous burden to bear. You can shed the weight of your load or at least trim it down to a more manageable level by taking these four steps. Read More..

Getting out from debt can be a long, drawn out process. If you spent years wrestling with financial problems, the solution will not come to you overnight. It can take months, even years to unravel debt difficulties but it can be done. You have some options to help you get started; let’s take a look at four of them:

Credit Counseling. Credit counseling companies are vying for your business. This can be a good option as you shop around to find the best plan out there, but bad as you learn that many companies will charge exorbitant fees or do work for you that you can do yourself. Some government agencies and nonprofit firms provide credit counseling too. For little or no money you may be able to find a professional who can help you navigate through your debt dilemma.

Debt Consolidation Loan. Replace your high interest credit cards with one, low interest rate credit card. You could also see if a lending institution will give you a debt consolidation loan. However, you may have to pay for an application fee, whereas with a credit card you would not.

Home Refinancing. Even with rising interest rates, refinancing your mortgage may make sense and allow for you to save hundreds of dollars per month on mortgage payments. With the monies saved with a new, lower mortgage payment you could use your savings to pay off your other debt.

Cash Out. Alternately to home refinancing, you may have enough equity in your home to cash out and pay off your debt. Importantly, although credit card debt is not tax deductible, a home equity loan is. Ultimately, you can reduce your debt as well as reduce your tax obligation by cashing out.

You have some viable solutions to help you reduce your debt. Learn all you can about each option and select the plan that is right for you.

1-Make List ABOUT Your DebtsFirst of all know how much deep you are in credit card debt. Many credit card holders are shocked when they know the total credit card debt to be paid. They unconsciously stay away from compiling this list. But you will have to know your total debts. List down lender name, date of debt, total amount to be paid and interest rate. Arrange list according to interest rate. Highest interest rate credit card debts should be shown first.

2-Pay Credit Card with Highest Interest RateNow start paying highest rate credit card first. Always pay more than minimum amount. If you are addicted to minimum payment traps then you will never be out of debt for whole of your life. Banks have arranged minimum debt trap in such way that a loan could take many years to be paid off if you are just paying in minimum amounts. Always pay more than minimum. These small extra payments will save you literally thousand dollars.

3-Start Frugal LivingFor as long as you are in debt, start frugal living. Cut off your credit cards. Ask companies to not offer you more credit cards. Discard impulsive buying. Try to save every penny if possible. These few dollars added to minimum payment amounts will create a snow-ball effect towards your credit card debt payments.

Most of us are swamped with bills like credit cards and auto loans, so we're turning to debt consolidation services to help us regain control of our finances. And it's a good idea, since some debt consolidation services can also help you lower your interest rates and monthly payments. But there are some unscrupulous folks out there, and that means you need to watch out for scammers when you're looking for a Debt Consolidation Service online. Here are three warning signs of a disreputable company:

Large, outrageous fees

Some companies charge $100 just for reviewing your account, often disguised as a "credit analysis." Others offer an "educational program" consisting of mostly free forms, letters and information gathered from Internet websites. The cost for this "education"? It can be as high as $1,500! Be wary of any company that pushes for up-front payment before you receive any type of service or materials.

Unbelievable promises

"Your monthly payment will be half of what you're currently paying!" "We'll get your interest rate slashed to zero percent!" "You'll be paying less in just two weeks!" These types of exaggerated promises are designed to lure you in, and they're rarely true. No one can work miracles, and they certainly can't work them in just two weeks. Expect it to take at least a month--and probably longer--before you see the effects of debt consolidation on your finances.

They make first contact

Any company that sends out SPAM, cold calls your home, or sends you junk mail is fishing for a fee. Chances are they only want your money, and once they get it they'll offer very little in terms of services. Most reputable companies will wait for you to contact them.

You can always double check a Debt Counseling Service with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. You might also consider asking family and friends if they have any experience with the service.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Many people are in severe financial difficulties In this debt-ridden society. While bankruptcy is the last step in a long road of financial pressures for many, others opt for this solution too early, sometimes without considering suitable bankruptcy alternatives.

There are several options available for you if you are in debt and do not wish to declare bankruptcy. The most sought-after option is obtaining a debt-consolidation loan and closing all existing credit lines.Debt consolidation is where you take a new unsecured loan and use the funds to pay off your outstanding debts.

An unsecured debt consolidation loan will help you consolidate all your unsecured debt and avoid bankruptcy. This new money can save you hundreds of dollars per month if you choose to use your loan to pay off existing debt - especially high rate credit cards. Even if you don’t own a home, you could qualify for their debt consolidation loan.

Debt consolidation loans are repayable over a longer term at a relatively low interest rate. This means that the monthly repayments are lower. If the loan is secured on your property then the interest rate and payments may be even lower.

But you must compare the pros and of debt consolidation loans before taking the plunge. There are two options for consolidating debts – either you borrow money to pay off all your debts or seek assistance from a debt consolidation service. The decision on which option will meet your needs has a lot to do with whether you can qualify for qualify for low mortgage rates on debt consolidation loans , and the total amount of debt you need to consolidate.

By getting this loan and using it to pay off credit cards, you’ll pay much less interest. Once you’ve paid off your credit cards or other debt, you’ll have a fresh start with your finances and can set up a budget within which you can live comfortably without ever having to run up credit card debt again.

Debt consolidation is an excellent tool that can help you manage and decrease your debt when you just can't seem to do it on your own. There is no way that you can completely fix bad credit without the ability to reduce debt and pay your bills on time. However, once your debt has reached a certain level, this can seem almost impossible to accomplish.

A credit counsellor can provide you with the option of enrolling in a debt management plan, which provides immediate relief and allows repayment of debts without the high fees and negative ramifications of bankruptcy.

However, your choice has to be based upon your financial situation, as well as fit in with your own belief system and lifestyle.